THE men’s clothing, the ageing lorries, the pile of coal in the background. It looks like the photograph could have been taken 60 or 70 years ago.

That it looks like a sepia photograph adds to the atmosphere of a bygone age.

In fact, it was just a dull grey spring day as recently as April 1985 for the last day of operation for AE Early & Sons, the Winchester coal merchant who had supplied fuel to thousands of people for decades.

Belgarum printed a photo of Early’s headquarters on Chesil Street, on February 4, asking for information about its history. It is set to be demolished for the expansion of the Chesil Theatre next door. We received several letters and calls, including from Martin Waldron, of Main Road, Hursley, who took the photos.

The main photo shows Gordon Major, who worked for Mr Waldron, with Ron and John Early. Mr Major is still alive and living in Stanmore.

Mr Waldron was invited to take over the Early business but fewer homes were using the fuel as electric and gas provided more and more heating and Mr Waldron closed his business down a couple of years later. We thank him for sending in the photos.